Off The Grid Generator Company

#setlightingtechnician #setpower #gaffers #generatorset #local728

Generator Terms Every Filmmaker Should Know 👉Understanding power is essential on every set. Whether you’re working with diesel or battery systems, these 12 terms form the foundation of safer, smarter production. 1. Dummy Load A light used to balance a diesel generator’s load. Doesn’t light the scene, just stabilizes power. 2. Amperage vs Voltage Amperage is the current. Voltage is the pressure. Both must be managed to avoid flicker or shutdowns. 3. Load Balancing Distribute amperage across all power legs (Red, Blue, Black). Manual for diesel, automatic for battery systems like the J250. 4. Cold Start Battery generator startup: breakers on, emergency stop released, press Cold Start. Ready in 2 minutes. 5. Line Loss Voltage drops over long cable runs. Raise generator output so distant distro boxes stay at 120V. 6. Bonding When using multiple sources (like generator and house), grounds must be bonded to prevent shock hazards. 7. Phase Selection Three-phase (120/208V) works for large distro. Single-phase (120/240V) is ideal for HMIs. Choose before powering up. 8. Daisy-Chaining Linking battery generators to increase power on large-scale setups. 9. Thermal Derating At high altitudes, battery units reduce output to prevent overheating. Expect 24% loss at 7,000 ft. 10. Digital Control Panel Interface for monitoring voltage, amperage, battery health, and system status on both diesel and battery gens. 11. Idle 5-minute warm-up phase after starting a diesel generator. Required before applying load. 12. Leveling Blocks Wooden blocks used to keep diesel generators level. Prevents fuel imbalance and system damage. This is just the beginning. In the Generator Etiquette Masterclass, you’ll learn how to power up diesel generators, run battery systems, apply safety protocols, troubleshoot failures, and lead communication between G&E and production. Taught by Shane Hurlbut, ASC and Gaffer Tom Sigurdsson. Our annual membership is $175 off. Unlock all 8 masterclasses and 1,000+ lessons. Click the link in bio to join. Got a term we missed? Drop it in the comments. #generator #powerdistribution #cinematographer #gaffer #lighting #filmschool #filmmaking #filmmakers

Balancing your load on a diesel generator is essential for keeping lights running, the crew safe, and the day on schedule. In this clip from our Generator Etiquette Masterclass, Shane Hurlbut, ASC and Gaffer Tom Sigurdsson walk through best practices for powering up HMIs and maintaining an even load across all three legs. It starts with preparation: •Label every component. A HMI to A head cable to A ballast — so if a unit will not strike, you can isolate the issue instantly. •Warm up HMIs slowly (30–60 seconds), keeping ears and gels clear from the front. •Use heat shields to protect gels from damage. •Watch your meters — HMIs pull more amperage while coming to temp, then idle down. •Balance the load by deploying a ghost load or dummy load that doesn’t perform any lighting function on set but helps bring the generator to an equilibrium. In this scene, two 18Ks and a 20K are brought online in sequence, adjusting dimmers and monitoring readings until the red, blue, and black legs are perfectly balanced, then adding a final 18K for backlight without risking overload. This masterclass covers: • Generator placement, leveling & safety • Load balancing & voltage for HMIs • Battery vs diesel setups • Preventing failure before it happens • And much more Now is the time to join. Our Annual Membership is $175 off and includes: ✓ This masterclass + 7 others ✓ Monthly coaching with working pros ✓ B&H EDU gear discounts ✓ On set access through the Shadow Program Want to go deeper? The full Generator Etiquette Masterclass is also part of our Power Distribution Bundle, with 9 lessons on generator setup, powering lights, portable units, distribution safety, and real world troubleshooting. Both the bundle and Annual Membership are on sale now. 💡 All 8 premium masterclasses + 1,000+ lessons → Annual Membership ⚡ Focused power training → Power Distribution Bundle Click the link in bio to join. #gaffer #gaffing #lighting #light #cinematography #cinematographer #filmmaker #filmmaking #onset